Methods and preparing latex particulates with reactive functional groups

ABSTRACT

The present invention is drawn to a method of generating functionalized latex particulates in a colloidal suspension. The method can comprise steps of protecting functional groups present on polymerizable monomers with photo labile groups to form protected monomers; polymerizing the protected monomers to form a protected polymer; and exposing the protected polymer to a wavelength of light that removes the photo labile groups from the functional groups, thereby forming the functionalized latex particulates. These latex particulates can be used in a wide variety of applications, including in ink-jet ink printing applications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to surface functionalized latexparticulates and a method for the manufacture thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Latex particles obtained by emulsion polymerization can have a varietyof applications, including for use as model colloids for calibration ofinstruments used to measure particle size, for immobilization ofbiomolecules (such as proteins or peptides) on the surface of theparticles, for development of new types of immunoassays, and for filmformation for ink-jet printing, painting, and coating applications. Acommonly used method for connecting biological molecules, dye molecules,or the like, to the surface of latex particles is by physical or passiveadsorption. However, resulting colloid systems tend to be less stable.Such instability can be avoided by covalently bonding biomolecules, dyemolecules, or the like, to latex particulates of an emulsion. Whilefunctionalized latex particulates have applications in these and otherfields, the ink-jet ink imaging application can be used to favorablyillustrate unique advantages of the invention. Specifically, there hasbeen great improvement in the area of water durability of ink-jet inksthrough incorporation of certain ink-jet compatible latex polymers. Whenprinted as part of an ink-jet ink, a latex component of the ink can forma film on a media surface, entrapping and protecting the colorant withinthe hydrophobic print film.

This being the case, there is a continuing need to provide improvedmethods of preparing latex particulates having functional groups on thesurface, which can in turn be used for chemical reaction with targetmolecules. One example of such a functional group is an amino group,which is quite reactive. To prepare amino-functionalized latex polymerparticles, there have been several mechanisms proposed. One mechanismhas been by copolymerization of methacrylates containing hydroxyl andcarbonyl groups, which are chemically modified to have an amino group onthe surface. Other mechanisms have included post-polymerization ofcopolymers of styrene and chloromethyl styrene, the modification ofcarbonyl surface groups, or the nitration of polystyrene and reductionto amino groups. All of these methods can result in colloid systems thatlack stability due to changes in the medium conditions, resulting inpart from chemical reaction that occurs to provide the amino functionalgroup.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to developmanufacturing procedures for the preparation of surface functionalizedlatex particulates, which can be used for ink-jet ink and otherapplications. In furtherance of this recognition, a method of generatingfunctionalized latex particulates in a colloidal suspension, cancomprise steps of a) protecting functional groups present onpolymerizable monomers with photo labile groups to form protectedmonomers; b) polymerizing the protected monomers to form a protectedpolymer; and c) exposing the protected polymer to a wavelength of lightthat removes the photo labile groups from the functional groups, therebyforming the functionalized latex particulates.

In another embodiment, a method of preparing an ink-jet ink can comprisethe steps of preparing functionalized latex particulates in a colloidalsuspension, as described previously, and then admixing the colloidalsuspension with a liquid vehicle and a colorant, wherein an ink-jettableink-jet ink is formed. Alternatively, if forming an ink-jettableovercoat compositions for protecting an ink-jet produced image, thecolloidal suspension can be admixed with a liquid vehicle, withoutcolorant.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the detailed description that follows which illustrates, by way ofexample, features of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the particular processsteps and materials disclosed herein because such process steps andmaterials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only. The terms are not intended to be limiting because thescope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by theappended claims and equivalents thereof.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed orpresented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such arange format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should beinterpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numericalvalues explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also toinclude all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassedwithin that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitlyrecited. To illustrate, a concentration range of “0.1 wt % to 5 wt %”should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recitedconcentration of 0.1 wt % to 5 wt %, but also include individualconcentrations and the sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus,included in this numerical range are individual concentrations, such as1 wt %, 2 wt %, 3 wt %, and 4 wt %, and sub-ranges, such as from 0.1 wt% to 1.5 wt %, 1 wt % to 3 wt %, from 2 wt % to 4 wt %, from 3 wt % to 5wt %, etc. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only onenumerical value. For example, a range recited as “less than 5 wt %”should be interpreted to include all values and sub-ranges between 0 wt% and 5 wt %. Furthermore, such an interpretation should applyregardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics beingdescribed.

“Photo labile group” is any group that can be used to cap or protect afunctional group, and which can be removed by exposure to light,preferably ultraviolet light.

“Ultraviolet light (UV)” is light having a wavelength of 40 to 400nanometers (nm).

The term “functional group” or “functionalized” can refer to groups thatare reactive, such as amino groups, thiol groups, or hydroxyl groups,and which do not substantially participate in the polymerizationprocess. These groups can be present on polymerizable monomers as wellas on latex particulates. Photo labile groups can be used to protectthese functional groups present on monomers during polymerization, andafter polymerization, the photo labile groups can be removed tofunctionalize the latex particulates in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

The term “protected” refers to the state of a functional group that iscapped or bonded to a photo labile group. A monomer can be protected inpreparation for polymerization, and a polymer or latex particulate canbe protected prior to decapping or deprotecting the particulates, suchas upon exposure to light, preferably ultraviolet light.

As used herein, “liquid vehicle” or “ink vehicle” refers to the fluid inwhich colorants and latex particulates of the present invention can bedispersed (or solvated in the case of dyes) to form ink-jet inks inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. Many liquidvehicles and vehicle components are known in the art. Typical liquidvehicles can include a mixture of a variety of different agents, such asco-solvents, buffers, biocides, sequestering agents, viscositymodifiers, and water.

“Colorant” can include dyes, pigments, and/or other particulates thatmay be suspended or solvated in a liquid vehicle in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Dyes are typically water soluble,and therefore, can be desirable for use in many embodiments. However,pigments can also be used. Pigments that can be used includeself-dispersed pigments and polymer dispersed pigments. Self-dispersedpigments include those that have been chemically surface modified with acharge or a polymeric grouping. This chemical modification aids thepigment in becoming and/or substantially remaining dispersed in a liquidvehicle. The pigment can also be a polymer-dispersed pigment thatutilizes a dispersant (which can be a polymer or an oligomer or asurfactant) in the liquid vehicle and/or in the pigment that utilizes aphysical coating to aid the pigment in becoming and/or substantiallyremaining dispersed in a liquid vehicle.

With this in mind, it has been recognized that it would be advantageousto develop a practical method for the preparation of latex polymerparticulates having reactive functional groups on the surface. Thereactive functional groups can be used to attach dye molecules,biological molecules, or other useful molecules, to the latexparticulate surface.

In one embodiment, a method of generating functionalized latexparticulates in a colloidal suspension can comprise steps of a)protecting functional groups present on polymerizable monomers withphoto labile groups to form protected monomers; b) polymerizing theprotected monomers to form a protected polymer; and c) exposing theprotected polymer to a wavelength of ultraviolet light that removes thephoto labile groups from the functional groups, thereby forming thefunctionalized latex particulates. The functional group can be anyfunctional group that can be reactive with a predetermined molecule,such as a biological or dye molecule. Exemplary functional groupsinclude amino, thiol, and hydroxyl groups, to name a few.

To provide an example of an embodiment of the present invention, one canconsider the preparation of amino functionalized latex particulates. Inthis embodiment, an amino-containing monomer can be protected with aphoto labile protective group before emulsion polymerization. Afterpolymerization, a certain wavelength of UV light can be exposed to thecolloidal system. Upon UV exposure, the photo labile group can decomposeinto the solution, or otherwise be liberated into the emulsion,resulting in functional amino groups on the surface of the latexparticulate. As this method does not add any chemicals to the emulsionsystem, the latex emulsion can typically remain stable.

Formula 1 below provides a schematic representation of an embodiment ofthe present invention.

In Formula 1 above, Y can be a bridging group, which tethers thepolymerizable double bond with a reactive functional group (XH). Y canbe, for example, saturated or unsaturated lower alkylene,heteroatom-containing alkylene, substituted benzene, ester, ether,carbonyl, or the like. X can be NH, S, or O (resulting in NH₂, SH, orOH). The variable n can represent the number of monomer units of thepolymer backbone, and can range from 2 to 50,000 in one embodiment. PLGrepresent any functional photo labile capping group. Examples includephotosensitive azo, photosensitive ester or ether, photosensitive amideor imide, photosensitive amine or imine, photosensitive thio-ether orthio-ester, photosensitive isocyanamides, photosensitive hetero-ringsystem with at least one of hetero-atom, e.g., N, O, S, B. P, etc.Commonly-known photo labile groups and corresponding wavelengths thatcan be used to decompose or otherwise remove the photo labile group toliberate a functional reactive group are listed as follows:α-carboxy-2-nitrobenzyl (CNB, 260 nm), 1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl (NPE, 260nm), 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (DMNB, 355 nm),1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)ethyl (DMNPE, 355 nm),(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzoxy)carbonyl (NVOC, 355 nm),5-carboxymethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (CMNB, 320 nm),((5-carboxymethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl)oxy)carbonyl (CMNCBZ, 320 nm),desoxybenzoinyl (desyl, 360 nm), anthraquino-2-ylmethoxycarbonyl (AQMOC,350 nm).

Though several photo labile groups are listed above, others can be usedas well. In accordance with Formula 1, considerations for selecting aphoto labile group for use in combination with a polymerizable monomerare provided as follows:

-   -   (i) after the protection step, the resulting polymerizable        monomer can be configured appropriately for forming a latex        particulate;    -   (ii) after the polymerization step, the photo labile group can        be configured to be easily removed, decomposed, or otherwise        uncapped under certain light exposure;    -   (iii) after the polymerization step, the polymer backbone can be        configured to be stable to the light exposure used to decompose        or otherwise remove the photo labile group;    -   iv) after the light exposure step, the photo labile group        (removed from the polymer) can be configured to be water-soluble        or volatile, returning to the fluid of the emulsion or bubbling        off as a gas, for example; and    -   v) after the light exposure step, the decomposed photo labile        group can be configured to not interfere with the latex        particulate present in the emulsion.

More specific examples in accordance with that described in Formula 1are illustrated as Formulas 2 and 3, as follows:

In the above Formulas 2 and 3, variables PLG and n can be the same asdescribed with respect to Formula 1. In Formula 2, Y can also be thesame as that described in Formula 1. In Formula 3, an ester group isshown as attaching the monomer to the functional group, and m can befrom 0 to 30. Both Formulas 2 and 3 exemplify an amino functional group,though embodiments having thiol or hydroxyl functional groups can beused in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The preparation of latex particulates in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention can result in a latex emulsion having latexparticulates of a weight average molecular weight from 10,000 Mw to5,000,000 Mw. Additionally, though Formulas 1 to 3 depict polymerizationusing a single monomer, copolymeric latex particulates can be formed aswell. For example, block copolymers, randomly assembled copolymers,copolymers including crosslinkers, and the like can be formed.Additionally, monomers with functional groups can be copolymerized withother monomers with or without functional groups at various ratios toprovide various results. If a crosslinking agent is used to crosslink apolymer, the application of use of the resultant latex particulate canbe considered. For example, if the latex particulate is to be used in anink-jet printing system, then from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of thecrosslinking agent can be present with the photo labile group cappedmonomer, or photo labile group capped monomer-containing mix, andcopolymerized therewith.

The latexes prepared in accordance with the present invention can beused in the ink-jet ink arts, such as with a colorant to form an ink, orwithout a colorant to form a protective coating for an ink-jet producedimage. In the former embodiment, a method of preparing an inkjet ink cancomprise steps of preparing functionalized latex particulates in acolloidal suspension as described previously. Upon preparing thecolloidal suspension of functionalized latex particulates describedherein, the colloidal suspension can then be admixed with a liquidvehicle and a colorant to form an ink-jettable ink-jet ink. Thus, in oneembodiment, the liquid phase of the colloidal suspension and the liquidvehicle can become admixed to form a modified liquid vehicle containingthe latex particulates and the colorant. If the colorant is a dye, thenthe dye is typically solvated in the liquid vehicle. In this embodiment,the total amount of solids in the ink-jet ink will be due to thepresence of latex particulates prepared in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. However, if the colorant is a self-dispersedor polymer-dispersed pigment, the total solids content of the latexparticulates and pigments should be considered when determining relativeamounts that should be present for jettability purposes, as is known inthe art. If utilizing a colorant to form an ink-jet ink, the method canfurther comprising the step of reacting the colorant with thefunctionalized latex particulates to form colorant-bound latexparticulates.

Alternatively, If no colorant is used, but rather, the colloidalsuspension is admixed with a liquid vehicle to form an ink-jettablecolorless solution, then an ink-jettable protective coating material canbe formed. In this embodiment, typically, an ink-jet ink can be jettedonto a substrate to produce an image, and the ink-jettable colorlesssolution can be overprinted with respect to the printed image forprotection. The latex particulates can form a film over the printedimage, and as the latex particulates are functonalized, the functionalsurfaces of the latex particulates can interact with the colorant orother component of the printed ink-jet ink to provide additionalprotection to the image.

A typical liquid vehicle formulation that can be used with the latexesdescribed herein can include water, and optionally, one or moreco-solvents present in total at from 0 wt % to 30 wt %, depending on thepen architecture. Further, one or more non-ionic, cationic, and/oranionic surfactants can be present, ranging from 0 wt % to 5.0 wt %. Thebalance of the formulation can be purified water, or other vehiclecomponents known in the art, such as biocides, viscosity modifiers,materials for pH adjustment, sequestering agents, preservatives, and thelike. Typically, the liquid vehicle is predominantly water.

Classes of co-solvents that can be used include aliphatic alcohols,aromatic alcohols, diols, glycol ethers, polyglycol ethers,caprolactams, formamides, acetamides, and long chain alcohols. Examplesof such compounds include primary aliphatic alcohols, secondaryaliphatic alcohols, 1,2-alcohols, 1,3-alcohols, 1,5-alcohols, ethyleneglycol alkyl ethers, propylene glycol alkyl ethers, higher homologs ofpolyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, N-alkyl caprolactams, unsubstitutedcaprolactams, both substituted and unsubstituted formamides, bothsubstituted and unsubstituted acetamides, and the like. Specificexamples of solvents that can be used include trimethylolpropane,2-pyrrolidinone, and 1,5-pentanediol.

One or more of many surfactants can also be used as are known by thoseskilled in the art of ink formulation and may be alkyl polyethyleneoxides, alkyl phenyl polyethylene oxides, polyethylene oxide blockcopolymers, acetylenic polyethylene oxides, polyethylene oxide(di)esters, polyethylene oxide amines, protonated polyethylene oxideamines, protonated polyethylene oxide amides, dimethicone copolyols,substituted amine oxides, and the like. The amount of surfactant addedto the formulation of this invention may range from 0 wt % to 5.0 wt %.It is to be noted that the surfactant that is described as being usablein the liquid vehicle is not the same as the surfactant that isdescribed as being adhered to the surface of the latex-encapsulatedparticulates, though many of the same surfactants can be used for eitherpurpose.

Consistent with the formulation of this invention, various otheradditives may be employed to optimize the properties of the inkcomposition for specific applications. Examples of these additives arethose added to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Theseadditives may be biocides, fungicides, and other microbial agents, whichare routinely used in ink formulations. Examples of suitable microbialagents include, but are not limited to, Nuosept (Nudex, Inc.), Ucarcide(Union carbide Corp.), Vancide (R.T. Vanderbilt Co.), Proxel (ICIAmerica), and combinations thereof.

Sequestering agents, such as EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid),may be included to eliminate the deleterious effects of heavy metalimpurities, and buffer solutions may be used to control the pH of theink. From 0 wt % to 2.0 wt %, for example, can be used. Viscositymodifiers and buffers may also be present, as well as other additivesknown to those skilled in the art to modify properties of the ink asdesired. Such additives can be present at from 0 wt % to 20.0 wt %.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate embodiments of the invention that arepresently known. Thus, these examples should not be considered aslimitations of the present invention, but are merely in place to teachhow to make the best-known compositions of the present invention basedupon current experimental data. As such, a representative number ofcompositions and their method of manufacture are disclosed herein.

Example 1 Preparation of Photo Labile Group-Protected PolymerizableMonomer

Ethanolamine was treated with di-t-butyl dicarbonate to obtain an amineprotected ethanolamine. The alcohol group of the ethanolamine wasreacted with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine toobtain a methacryloyloxyethylamine protected by a tert-butyloxycarbonylgroup (BOC). The amine was liberated by treating the BOC-protectedmethacryloyloxyethylamine with trifluoroacetic acid. The resulting aminoderivative was treated with sodium hydride followed by2-nitro-4,5-methoxybenzylbromide. This method resulted in the productionof a polymerizable monomer having amine groups protected by photo labilegroups that are sensitive to 350 nm light.

Example 2 Preparation of Photo Labile Group-Protected Latex Particulates

The photo labile group-protected polymerizable monomer (10 wt %) ofExample 1 was mixed with methyl methacrylate (42 wt %), hexyl acrylate(42 wt %) and methacrylic acid (6 wt %) to form a monomer mixture.Though a cross-linker was not used in this example, it is to be notedthat a cross-linker can be used, e.g., ethylene glycol dimethacrylate(0.5 to 10 wt %). The monomer mixture (about 35 wt %) was emulsifiedwith Rhodafac RS 710 surfactant (2.5 wt % with respect to the monomers)and a balance of water. The monomer emulsion was added dropwise to hotwater containing a potassium persulfate water soluble initiator (about0.4 wt % with respect to the monomers). The heating was continued for aperiod of two hours and then cooled to ambient temperature. The latexwas neutralized with potassium hydroxide solution to obtain the latexparticulates having photo labile groups configured thereon. Theparticulates were present in an emulsion.

Example 3 Preparation of Amino Group-Functionalized Latex

The photo labile group-protected latex particulate-containing emulsionof Example 2 was exposed to 350 nm light for about 5 minutes. During theexposure, the linkage between the amine groups and the2-nitro-4,5-methoxybenzyl group was cleaved to generate latexparticulates having surface amino groups thereon.

Example 4 Ink-Jet Ink Preparation

The latex emulsion prepared in accordance with Example 3 (equivalent to2.5 g solid polymer) was mixed with Sunsperse LFD 4343 colorant (5 g)along with a solvent vehicle (20 g). The solvent vehicle included2-pyrrolidone and ethylene glycol. Water was then added to bring theconcentration of the colorant to 3% by weight (collectively, the solventvehicle and water form an exemplary liquid vehicle as described herein).An ink-jet ink composition was formed that includes latex particulatesprepared in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Example 5 Overcoat Composition

The latex emulsion prepared in accordance with Example 3 (equivalent to2.5 g solid polymer) was mixed with a solvent vehicle (20 g). Thesolvent vehicle included 2-pyrrolidone and ethylene glycol. Water wasthen added in a similar amount as described in Example 4. A coatingcomposition was formed that includes latex particulates prepared inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainpreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatvarious modifications, changes, omissions, and substitutions can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended,therefore, that the invention be limited only by the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A method of generating functionalized latex particulates in acolloidal suspension, comprising steps of: a) protecting functionalgroups present on polymerizable monomers with photo labile groups toform protected monomers; b) polymerizing the protected monomers to forma protected polymer; and c) exposing the protected polymer to awavelength of light that removes the photo labile groups from thefunctional groups, thereby forming the functionalized latexparticulates.
 2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the functional groupsare thiol.
 3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the functional groups areamino.
 4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the functional groups arehydroxyl.
 5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the photo labile groups areselected from the group consisting of α-carboxy-2-nitrobenzyl (CNB),1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl (NPE), 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (DMNB),1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)ethyl (DMNPE),(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzoxy)carbonyl(NVOC),5-carboxymethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (CMNB),((5-carboxymethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl)oxy)carbonyl (CMNCBZ), desoxybenzoinyl(desyl), anthraquino-2-ylmethoxycarbonyl (AQMOC).
 6. A method as inclaim 1, wherein the functional groups are attached to the polymerizablemonomers through a tethering group selected from the group consisting ofsaturated or unsaturated lower alkylene, heteroatom-containing alkylene,substituted benzene, ester, ether, carbonyl, and combinations thereof.7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the functionalized latex particulateshave a weight average molecular weight from 10,000 Mw to 5,000,000 Mw.8. A method as in claim 1, wherein the functionalized latex particulatesformed are not substantially sensitive to the wavelength of ultravioletlight.
 9. A method as in claim 1, wherein upon the exposing step, thephoto labile groups decompose into solution, and wherein the decomposedphoto labile groups are not interactive with the functionalized latexparticulates.
 10. A method as in claim 1, wherein the photo labilegroups are sensitive to a specific wavelength of light, resulting in theremoval of the photo labile group from the protected polymer.
 11. Amethod as in claim 10, wherein the specific wavelength of light iswithin the ultraviolet range of 40 to 400 nm.
 12. A method as in claim1, wherein the polymerizing step includes copolymerizing the protectedmonomers with at least one additional monomer, thereby formingcopolymeric functionalized latex particulates.
 13. A method as in claim12, wherein the at least one additional monomer does not containfunctional groups.
 14. A method as in claim 12, wherein the at least oneadditional monomer contains a functional group.
 15. A method as in claim1, wherein the polymerizing step includes polymerizing the protectedmonomers in the presence of a crosslinking agent.
 16. A method ofpreparing an ink-jet ink, comprising: a) preparing functionalized latexparticulates in a colloidal suspension, said functionalized latexparticulates prepared by: i) protecting functional groups present onpolymerizable monomers with photo labile groups to form protectedmonomers, ii) polymerizing the protected monomers to form a protectedpolymer, and iii) exposing the protected polymer to a wavelength oflight that removes the photo labile groups from the functional groups,thereby forming the functionalized latex particulates; and b) admixingthe colloidal suspension with a liquid vehicle and a colorant, whereinan ink-jettable inkjet ink is formed.
 17. A method as in claim 16,further comprising the step of reacting the colorant with thefunctionalized latex particulates to form colorant-bound latexparticulates.
 18. A method as in claim 16, wherein the colorant is adye.
 19. A method as in claim 16, wherein the colorant is a pigment. 20.A method as in claim 16, wherein the functional groups are selected fromthe group consisting of thiol, amino, and hydroxyl.
 21. A method as inclaim 16, wherein the photo labile groups are selected from the groupconsisting of α-carboxy-2-nitrobenzyl (CNB), 1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl(NPE), 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (DMNB),1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)ethyl (DMNPE),(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzoxy)carbonyl(NVOC),5-carboxymethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (CMNB),((5-carboxymethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl)oxy)carbonyl (CMNCBZ), desoxybenzoinyl(desyl), anthraquino-2-ylmethoxycarbonyl (AQMOC).
 22. A method as inclaim 16, wherein the functionalized latex particulates have a weightaverage molecular weight from 10,000 Mw to 5,000,000 Mw.
 23. A method asin claim 16, wherein the functionalized latex particulates formed arenot sensitive to the wavelength of light.
 24. A method as in claim 16,wherein the polymerizing step includes copolymerizing the protectedmonomers with at least one additional monomer, thereby formingcopolymeric functionalized latex particulates.
 25. A method as in claim16, wherein the polymerizing step includes polymerizing the protectedmonomers in the presence of a crosslinking agent.
 26. A method ofpreparing an inkjettable protective overcoat composition, comprising: a)preparing functionalized latex particulates in a colloidal suspension,said functionalized latex particulates prepared by: i) protectingfunctional groups present on polymerizable monomers with photo labilegroups to form protected monomers, ii) polymerizing the protectedmonomers to form a protected polymer, and iii) exposing the protectedpolymer to a wavelength of light that removes the photo labile groupsfrom the functional groups, thereby forming the functionalized latexparticulates; and b) admixing the colloidal suspension with a liquidvehicle, wherein an ink-jettable overcoat composition is formed.
 27. Amethod as in claim 26, wherein the ink-jettable overcoat composition issubstantially colorless.
 28. A method as in claim 26, wherein thefunctional groups are selected from the group consisting of thiol,amino, and hydroxyl.
 29. A method as in claim 26, wherein the photolabile groups are selected from the group consisting ofα-carboxy-2-nitrobenzyl (CNB), 1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl (NPE),4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (DMNB), 1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)ethyl(DMNPE), (4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzoxy)carbonyl(NVOC),5-carboxymethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (CMNB),((5-carboxymethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl)oxy)carbonyl (CMNCBZ), desoxybenzoinyl(desyl), anthraquino-2-ylmethoxycarbonyl (AQMOC).
 30. A method as inclaim 26, wherein the functionalized latex particulates have a weightaverage molecular weight from 10,000 Mw to 5,000,000 Mw.
 31. A method asin claim 26, wherein the functionalized latex particulates formed arenot sensitive to the wavelength of light.
 32. A method as in claim 26,wherein the polymerizing step includes copolymerizing the protectedmonomers with at least one additional monomer, thereby formingcopolymeric functionalized latex particulates.
 33. A method as in claim26, wherein the polymerizing step includes polymerizing the protectedmonomers in the presence of a crosslinking agent.